Confirming ammo count on used 338

[timelinex]

I've been thinking about getting a used savage 338. My only question is how would I go about confirming a round count. Many of the ones I see have a round count of 30-50. Which is actually good for me in my opinion, they did the job of 'breaking in' the barrel. How would I confirm though, that it is 50 and not like 500? Other than taking it to a gunsmith for them to have a close look with a bore camera, is there a quick way to check in person? I know you won't be able to tell the difference between 30 and 50, but I'm looking to make sure its not actually like 300+.

I know this has been discussed before with other calibers like 223 and 308, but I thought maybe since 338 is bigger it might have more obvious signs.

 

[RHallenbeck]

Re: Confirming ammo count on used 338

My first question would be if the original owner reloaded or shot factory stuff.. IF he shot factory boxed ammo I would tend to believe the 50 or so.. If he loads his own I would find out what loads he was making up and what FPS he was attaining.. From what I have read the 338 is a lot easier on the bore than some other rounds so long as you do not push it past 2900-3000 fps..

Rick

 

[timelinex]

Re: Confirming ammo count on used 338

He definitely used factory rounds since he is selling it with a couple boxes of leftover factory rounds.

 

[timelinex]

Re: Confirming ammo count on used 338

So then I'm guessing there isn't a way to verify a low round count with a bore camera ?

 

[Hunt4life]

Re: Confirming ammo count on used 338

A mirror and Bore Light will likely be your only reasonable bet. Still there is no real way to know for sure.

I personally do not care that much as the sooner the original barrel shoots out the sooner I can get the one I want on it.

 

[19Scout77]

Re: Confirming ammo count on used 338

Is he selling with the empty brass as well?

 

[matthias]

Re: Confirming ammo count on used 338

there is no way that i can think of to check it with out knowing the person and the rifle.

i can tell you i started seeing small changes .001-.002 length change around 500 rounds using my stony point oal length gauge.

it does not seem like he would have kept track of it. so throw a go and no go gauge in it and make sure it runs well then go for it.

 

[ripcurlksm]

Re: Confirming ammo count on used 338

maybe use a gauge to measure the throat and muzzle erosion, kinda like how folks do to check out older rifles.

 

[rlr]

Re: Confirming ammo count on used 338

I don't know of any way to confirm round count. Probably check headspace and bore scope. With that you get a good look at the condition. You may also want to slug the barrel to evaluate uniformity.